Two of the most useful yet simple functions provided by Microsoft Excel are the MIN and MAX functions. The MAX function in Excel allows you to find the highest numeric value within a range of cells. Its opposite, the MIN function, returns the lowest numeric value in a given range. One advantage of these functions is that they can be combined with other functions such as IF.
Using the MAX Function to Determine the Highest Value in a Range
This example finds the highest value in the range A3:D11 using the MAX function. The return value of the function is the maximum value in the set.
=MAX(number1, number2, …)
number1, number2, …: Between 1 and 30 numbers for which you want to find the largest value. You can use cell references; however, the cells must contain numbers or values that can be converted into numbers.
To determine the maximum value:
- In cells A3:D11, enter a series of values.
- In cell B1, type the formula:
=MAX(A3:D11) - Press Enter.
Using the MIN Function to Find the Employee with the Lowest Sales
In a company, employee sales are monitored. Columns B to E contain sales figures for the first four months of the year. To find out which employee has the lowest monthly sales, use the MIN function. The return value of the function is the smallest number in a set.
=MIN(number1, number2, …)
number1, number2, …: Between 1 and 30 numbers for which you want to find the smallest value. You can use cell references; however, the cells must contain numbers or values that can be converted into numbers.
Using the MIN Function to Detect the Smallest Value in a Column
To determine the smallest value in a single column, use the MIN function. The function returns the lowest value in a set. The syntax is the same as described in the previous example.
To determine the minimum value in a column:
- In column A, enter any value into cell A10.
- Select cell B1 and type the following formula:
=MIN(A1:A10) - Press Enter.
